Bearettes Fall to Concord Christian, Turn Attention to Morristown West

Chad Wells

Sep 18

3 min read

"It's a learning experience, and that's what we wanted. I'm proud of the kids for how they competed all night tonight," stated Bearettes coach Tim Bohanan following Sevier County's 4-1 loss to the Concord Christian Lady Lions on Thursday evening at the Sevier County Soccer Complex.

The Lady Lions took the lead early, scoring just 8 minutes into the match. Freshman Mila Mason executed a free kick from just outside the box, sending the ball over Sevier County goalkeeper Hannah Madison's outstretched arms, securing an early 1-0 advantage for the Lady Lions.

Ivey Fender gave the Lady Lions a 2-0 lead with a beautiful strike to beat the Bearettes' defense in the 31st minute, after breaking away from the defenders down the left side of the pitch, before finally breaking free for the goal.

Concord Christian seemed set to enter halftime with a solid 2-0 lead. However, the Bearettes took advantage of a well-placed corner kick by Brylee Valentine, which Aubree Thompson converted into a goal with just 30 seconds remaining in the first half, narrowing the score to 2-1 at the break.

"That was a great connection, it was a beautiful service and Aubree was just getting on the end of it, she's done that several times this year and she has a real nose for the ball and I'm just proud of her for being there." Bohanan mentioned of the goal to end the half.

The first 20 minutes of the second half saw several chances come and go for the Bearettes and Lady Lions, with neither team coming away with a goal to capitalize on the opportunities.

Concord Christian took advantage of an opportunity right after the hydration break in the 22nd minute of the second half. Addison Rogers maneuvered past the Bearettes defender and scored with a shot into the lower left post, which deflected in and beyond the reach of the diving keeper Madison, increasing the Lady Lions' lead to 3-1 with just 18 minutes left in the match.

The Lady Lions once again struck as Kiran Keeton was able to head the corner kick from the opposite side of the field into the back of the net and extend the lead to 4-1 over the Bearettes, which would ultimately wind up as the final score of the contest.

"We've been in that situation before, and I've got to give our kids a ton of credit for not just folding, not giving up when that happens. They scored that first one early, I felt like we had a chance or two early that we didn't quiet capitalize on, and they did. Credit to them." Bohanan said of his team's match.

Sevier County will now face district rival Morristown West on Tuesday evening at the SCHS Soccer Complex in a rematch of last year's district championship, which the Bearettes won in penalties.

"They're hungry and I know they're anxious to get another shot at us, and I appreciate and respect that. I think that's a sign of respect for us and what our girls have accomplished. Our girls have done so much and put that work in and made that name for themselves. I appreciate the fact that teams get up to come face us, but we need to return the favor and be up ourselves." Bohanan stated of the upcoming matchup with the Lady Trojans.

Sevier County will enter the contest with a 8-3 record, while Morristown West enters at 7-1.